Federal Center for Health Education launches consultation on "conversion therapies
The German Federal Center for Health Education has launched a telephone counseling service on the subject of "conversion therapies. The motto "Peinlich gibt's nicht!" ("Don't be embarrassed!") is the program.
Those responsible want to encourage people who have been victims of "conversion therapies" to talk about what is bothering them. At the same time, it is also possible to get advice with regard to gender identity and co.
A wide range of consulting services
The Federal Center for Health Education ensured that the counseling service is broadly based. At its core, the aim is to identify "conversion therapies" and protect against them. Since the "therapies" are not infrequently initiated and driven forward by family members, victims often find it difficult to recognize the dangerous situation as such at first glance.
After all, parents and co. wouldn't resort to such drastic means, would they? Relatives of people who have been victims of "conversion therapies" in the past can also call the hotline for advice.
What number can the hotline be reached at?
The advice hotline on all aspects of dealing with and recognizing "conversion therapy" can be reached by calling 0221-8992 876. The experts are on duty between 12 noon and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Of course, the offer can be used free of charge. In addition, it is not necessary to give your name or otherwise identify yourself. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous can do so. There are also plans to expand the hotline even further in the coming weeks and months. In this way, people who do not speak German will also be able to obtain advice in their native language.
"Conversion therapies" have already been banned in Germany since 2020
This was a small caesura. Because: Since the year 2020, it is no longer allowed by law to perform "conversion therapy" on young people. ("Conversion therapy" in this case means that the aim of the treatment is to work on a person's gender identity).
Alarmingly, people over the age of 18 are still allowed to undergo "conversion therapy. This makes it all the more important to educate people and help them to recognize when "friendly advice" turns into an intervention in their psyche.
"Conversion therapies" often burden for a lifetime
"Conversion therapies", as they are still carried out in other countries, represent an enormous intervention in a person's life. The message that always resonates: "The way you are, you are not okay!".
This is exactly what can leave lasting traces in children and adolescents, but of course also in adults. These can sometimes - but not always - be worked through in the course of therapy.
One thing is certain: Setting up a hotline is a step in the right direction. Now it is only important that as many people as possible learn about this offer so that they can seek advice. And who knows? Maybe the ban on "conversion therapies" will soon apply to all queers?